A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has left passengers stranded at sea after multiple deaths and confirmed infections triggered strict quarantine measures near Cape Verde.
The month-long voyage turned into a nightmare after three passengers died and several others became ill. Confirmed cases include a Dutch passenger and a British traveler who was evacuated to South Africa for intensive care. Two crew members are also suspected of being infected.
Around 150 passengers from 23 countries remain onboard after authorities refused to allow anyone to disembark. Health officials believe the virus may have originated before the ship departed from Ushuaia, possibly through exposure to infected rodents.
The World Health Organization confirmed multiple hantavirus cases and said the Andes strain—known for possible human-to-human transmission—was identified in some passengers. Officials stressed that the overall public risk remains low, but monitoring and quarantine efforts continue.
Passengers described fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain while trapped at sea, though some said conditions onboard had stabilized. Health teams continue evacuations and investigations as authorities work to prevent further spread.